Expert: fridge, not stove, may have caused day care fire

By Brian Rogers |
November 7, 2012
| Updated: November 8, 2012 3:12pm

Jessica Tata, right, looks at her attorney Mike DeGeurin after she was sentenced to 80 years in prison Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston.

Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

Patty Sparks wipes her eye after Jessica Tata was sentenced to 80 years in prison Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston. Tata was sentenced after a Feb. 24, 2011 home day care fire killed four toddlers. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)
I was satisfied to hear the amount of years," said Sparks, the great grandmother of Elias Castillo, a toddler who was killed in the fire. "She needs to be held responsible for what she did that day. Hopefully one day, she will be remorseful and admit to what she's done."

Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

Harris County prosecutor Steven Baldassano, left, stands with Tiffany Dickerson, center, and her kids Makayla Dickerson, and Kiyanna Richardson, along with Rosie Castillo, right, after Jessica Tata's sentencing Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston. Tata was sentenced 80 years after a Feb. 24, 2011 home day care fire killed four toddlers including Dickerson's child along with Castillo's grandchild.

Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

Tiffany Dickerson, left, hugs Rosie Castillo after Jessica Tata's sentencing Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston. Tata was sentenced to 80 years for her felony murder conviction of Elias Castillo, one of four children killed in a fire at her home day care in Houston. Dickerson also lost her son, three-year-old Shomari Dickerson, in the fire.

Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

Patty Sparks speaks to the media after Jessica Tata was sentenced to 80 years in prison Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston. Tata was sentenced after a Feb. 24, 2011 home day care fire killed four toddlers. I was satisfied to hear the amount of years," said Sparks, the great grandmother of Elias Castillo, a toddler who was killed in the fire. "She needs to be held responsible for what she did that day. Hopefully one day, she will be remorseful and admit to what she's done."

Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

Rosie Castillo wipes her eye wipes her eye after Jessica Tata was sentenced to 80 years in prison Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston. Tata was sentenced after a Feb. 24, 2011 home day care fire killed four toddlers. Castillo is the grandma of Elias Castillo, a toddler who was killed in the fire.

Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

Makayla Dickerson shows her "pretty arm" as she stands with her mom Tiffany Dickerson, left, and sister Kiyanna Richardson after Jessica Tata's sentencing Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston. Tata was sentenced to 80 years for her felony murder conviction in the death of one of four children killed in a fire at her home day care in Houston.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata takes a seat in the courtroom during the closing arguments of the punishment phase of her trial Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in Houston. Tata was convicted of felony murder in the deaths of four toddlers during a fire at her day care in 2011.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Defense attorney Mike DeGeurin makes his closing arguments in the punishment phase of Jessica Tata's trial Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in Houston. Tata was convicted of felony murder in the deaths of four toddlers during a fire at her day care in 2011.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Tiffany Dickerson, mother of fire victims Shomari and Makayla Dickerson, reacts to a video during the closing arguments in the punishment phase of Jessica Tata's trial Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in Houston. Tata was convicted of felony murder in the deaths of four toddlers during a fire at her day care in 2011.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Keisha Brown, mother of fire victim Elias Castillo, places her head in her hands as she listens to closing arguments during the punishment phase of Jessica Tata's trial Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in Houston. Tata was convicted of felony murder in the deaths of four toddlers during a fire at her day care in 2011.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Prosecutor Connie Spence stands in front of a video screen as she makes her closing arguments during the punishment phase of Jessica Tata's trial Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in Houston. Tata was convicted of felony murder in the deaths of four toddlers during a fire at her day care in 2011.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Staff

Standing next to her attorney, Mike DeGeurin, Jessica Tata did not react as the guilty verdict was read in her felony murder trial Tuesday.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Staff

Keisha Brown's testimony left many in the courtroom in tears as she described how she cradled her dead 16-month-old son in her arms at the hospital after the fire at Jessica Tata's day care center. Four children died in the blaze.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Staff

Jessica Tata's mother, Missy, leaves the courtroom after her daughter was convicted.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Rosie Castillo, center, grandmother of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, is walked out of the courtroom after home day care operator Jessica Tata was found guilty of murder at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Staff

A 7-year-old girl testified Thursday that Jessica Tata once left sleeping children by themselves at her day care while she went to get take-out food.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Sitting next to her attorney, Mike DeGeurin, home day care operator Jessica Tata waits before her verdict was read where she was found guilty for the murder of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Rosie Castillo, center, grandmother of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, reacts as home day care operator Jessica Tata was found guilty of murder at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

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Jessica Tata awaits the jury's verdict Tuesday.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Rosie Castillo, center, grandmother of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, shows a T-shirt she had made before the home day care operator Jessica Tata was found guilty of murder for his murder at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Home day care operator Jessica Tata walks into the courtroom before her verdict was read where she was found guilty for the murder of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata's attorney, Mike DeGeurin, walks out of court after the home day care operator was found guilty for the murder of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Home day care operator Jessica Tata stands before her verdict was read where she was found guilty for the murder of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata's attorney, Mike DeGeurin, walks out of court after the home day care operator was found guilty for the murder of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Jessica Tata, with her attorney Mike DeGeurin, listens to closing arguments Monday in her murder trial for the death of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Mike DeGeurin, defense attorney for home day care operator Jessica Tata focused his closing arguments on the fact he believes the stove may not have caused the fire in Tata's murder trial for the death of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Next to the burned stove used as evidence, prosecutor Steve Baldassano gives his closing arguments in the murder case against home day care operator Jessica Tata who is charged with murder for the death of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston. Baldassano said that Tata was at a Target more concerned getting a drink than the well-being of the children she was to be caring for. Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Showing a picture of the burned kitchen and stove, Mike DeGeurin, defense attorney for home day care operator Jessica Tata gives his closing arguments in her murder trial for the death of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Prosecutor Steve Baldassano holds up a Starbucks cup during his closing arguments in the murder case against home day care operator Jessica Tata who is charged with murder for the death of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Baldassano said that Tata was at a Target more concerned getting a drink than the well-being of the children she was to be caring for.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Keisha Brown, mother of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, listens during closing arguments where home day care operator Jessica Tata is on trial for one count of felony murder at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

A video shows home day care operator Jessica Tata leaving a Target store as prosecutor Steve Baldassano gives his closing arguments in the murder case against Tata who is charged with murder for the death of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Baldassano said that Tata was at a Target more concerned getting a drink than the well-being of the children she was to be caring for.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Showing a picture and using evidence from the stove in the burned kitchen, Mike DeGeurin, defense attorney for home day care operator Jessica Tata gives his closing arguments in her murder trial for the death of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Brian Rogers/Houston Chronicle

The stove from last year's fatal home day care fire(left) and a comparison model are brought in to court for the felony murder trial of Jessica Tata. Tata is accused in the deaths of four toddlers who were left alone at the daycare on Feb 24, 2011.

Photo By .

Jessica Tata, 24, faces closing arguments Monday in her trial over the deaths of four toddlers at her day care on Feb. 24, 2011.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Keisha Brown, mother of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, reacts during closing arguments where home day care operator Jessica Tata is on trial for one count of felony murder at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Next to her husband Luis Hernandez, left, Keisha Brown, mother of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, reacts after walking out of closing arguments where home day care operator Jessica Tata is on trial for one count of felony murder at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Michael Paulsen/Associated Press

FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2011 file photo, emergency personnel respond to a fire at a home day care operated by Jessica Tata, killing four children in Houston. Attorneys for Jessica Tata, a Texas woman facing a murder charge after a fire at her home day care killed four children and injured three other kids, could begin presenting their case to jurors. However, Jessica Tata’s attorneys declined to say how many witnesses, if any, they planned to call Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 to testify in a Houston courtroom. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Michael Paulsen, File)

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Rosie Castillo, center, grandmother of 16-month-old day care fire victim, Elias Castillo, reacts after walking out of closing arguments where home day care operator Jessica Tata is on trial for one count of felony murder at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Houston.
Tata was charged after leaving seven children, between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old unattended to go shopping when a fire started in the home that killed four children at a Houston woman's home day care Feb. 24, 2011. Tata faces up to life in prison if convicted on that charge, though jurors can find her guilty on several lesser counts.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare, enters the courtroom prior to opening statements at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare, enters the courtroom prior to opening statements at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Tiffany Dickerson, mother of fire victim Shomari Dickerson, weeps during opening statements in the Jessica Tata trial at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston. Jessica Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Keisha Brown, mother of fire victim Elias Castillo, speaks to family members of other fire victims prior to the Jessica Tata trial at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston. Jessica Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare. Opening statements start this morning, and trial can potentially resume for a month.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Defense Attorney Mike DeGeurin stands next to Jessica Tata before opening statements at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston. Jessica Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Prosecutor Steve Baldassano delivers opening statements to the jury in the Jessica Tata trial at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Defense Attorney Mike DeGeurin delivers opening statements at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston. Jessica Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare, listens to opening statements at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare, stands at the conclusion of opening statements at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Keisha Brown, mother of fire victim Elias Castillo, quietly weeps during opening statements in the Jessica Tata trial at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston. Jessica Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare. Opening statements start this morning, and trial can potentially resume for a month.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Tiffany Dickerson, mother of fire victim Shomari Dickerson, has a tattoo memorializing her son on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston. Jessica Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

(Left to right) Keisha Brown, mother of fire victim Elias Castillo, is embraced by Tiffany Dickerson, mother of fire victim Shomari Dickerson, prior for opening statements in the Jessica Tata trial at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston. Jessica Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, accused in the deaths of four children at her west Houston daycare, slumps over as she listens to defense attorney Mike Mike DeGeurin during opening statements at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Houston.

Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, right, sits with Bryan Garris, left, during pretrial motions in the 180th District Court Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in Houston. Tata is accused in the deaths of four children at her home day care in 2011. Authorities believe she left the children alone while she went shopping and the fire was ignited by a stove-top burner left on.

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos announced during a press conference, Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the District Attorney's Office in Houston, Texas that day care operator Jessica Tata, 22, charged in a fire last week that claimed the lives of four children faces nine new charges. Tata, who Lykos said was born in Harris County, fled the country Saturday and is in Nigeria.
Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos, vigorously defended her staff against what she called "outrageous allegations" criticizing their handling of the Tata investigation. (Billy Smith II/ Houston Chronicle)

Kendyll Stradford was one of the four children who died as a result of the daycare fire. | Copy photo by Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Kenya Stradford caresses the headstone of daughter Kendyll Anya Stradford at Forest Park Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, in Houston. Kenya Stradford will observe the anniversary of her daughter's death in the daycare fire, which happened last year on Feb. 24, 2011.

Photo By Brett Coomer/.

Shomari Dickersonwas one of the four children who died as a result of the daycare fire. | Copy photo by Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Chronicle

Keshia Brown, mother of fire victim Elias Xavier Castillo, smiles as she stands next to Rosi Castillo, the child's grandmother, after a judge on Friday refused to lower the bail for Jessica Tata..

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Staff

Elias Castillo

Photo By Mayra Beltran/.

Elias Castillo and mother Keshia Brown. Photocopied on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, in Houston. Keshia Brown lost her baby son, Elias Castillo, 16 months, in the recent day care fire.

Photo By Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Maurice Castillo, left, and Keisha Brown, center, whose 16-month-old son, Elias Castillo, died as a result of a day care fire, leave after a court appearance of the day care operator Jessica Tata in 180th state district court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. Four children died as a result of the Feb. 24 fire at the home day care called Jackie's Child Care.

Photo By Thomas B. Shea

2/19/12: Keshia Brown who lost her son Elias Castillo in a day care fire sits on the steps of her old apartment at 801 Country Place Drive in Houston, Texas apt 195 while talking about the one year anniversary of the death of her son. Here a program from Elias funeral rests in her lap as she talks with a reporter.

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Elizabeth Kajoh was one of the four children who died as a result of the daycare fire. | Copy photo by Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Photo By Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Betty Ukera says her husband, Emmanuel Kajoh, and her faith in God will carry her through after losing their 19-month-old daughter, Elizabeth, to the fire at Jackie's Child Care.

Photo By Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Children stand at the grave of 16-month-old Elias Xavier Castillo after his funeral at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery Friday, March 4, 2011, in Houston. He died in a day care fire that killed four other children.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Emmanuel Kajoh, above the casket, and his wife Betty Ukera, far right, follow the casket of their daughter Elizabeth Kajoh after Elizabeth's funeral Saturday, March 5, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Houston. Elizabeth, 19-months old, was one of four children to die in a fire at Jackie's Child Care Feb 24, 2011.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Chronicle

Jessica Tata, 23, could face as many as nine trials stemming from the fire.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Chronicle

Ron Tata, brother of Jessica Tata, testified Friday that he took his sister to Dallas to catch a flight to Nigeria to see their father after the deadly day care fire.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, 22, enters the 180th District Court in the Harris County Criminal Courthouse where she was denied a lower bond on Friday, May 27, 2011, in Houston. The 22-year-old from Houston is accused in the deaths of four children after leaving seven kids unattended to go shopping, even as oil was heating in a pan on her stove leading to a fire at the home. Prosecutors filed a high bond request asking that Tata be held on $2 million bond and be forced to surrender all her passports. Tata went to Nigeria after the fire, before she had been charged.

Photo By Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, with attorney Mike DeGeurin, is charged in the deaths of four children after a day care center fire. She went to Nigeria after the blaze but was arrested and sent back to Houston.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata is escorted by U.S. Marshall to the Harris County Jail on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, in Houston.

Photo By AP

In this photo released Monday March 21, 2011 by the Fulton Country Sherriff's Office shows Jessica Tata. Tata was arrested in Nigeria and transferred to the U.S. to face manslaughter charges relating to a Feb. 24, 2011 fire at her Houston, Texas day care center that killed four children and injured three others. Tata had left the children alone while she shopped in a nearby store when the fire broke out according to authorities.

Photo By Michael Paulsen

MICHAEL PAULSEN : CHRONICLE
TRAGIC MOMENT: Jessica Tata, second from left, operator of Jackie's Child Care, talks with paramedic Randall Riccitelli after a kitchen fire on Feb. 24 that killed four small children.

Photo By Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle

Jessica Tata, 22, operator of the day care facility called Jackie's Child Care, talks with friends, after a fire broke out at the day care center.

Photo By Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle

Ron Tata hugs his sister Jessica Tata, 22, operator of the day care facility called Jackie's Child Care, after a fire broke out at the day care center leaving four children dead Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, in Houston.

Photo By Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle

Missy Tata, the mother of Jessica Tata, 22, operator of the day care facility called Jackie's Child Care, talks on the phone after a fire broke out at her daughter's day care center.

The refrigerator, not the stove, may have caused the fire that killed four toddlers at a home day care last year, an expert told jurors Wednesday in the trial of day care operator Jessica Tata.

Electrical engineer Richard Bonyata said he could not rule out an electrical fire caused by a refrigerator in the house. He also said the evidence he saw indicated the stove was off when the fire broke out midafternoon on Feb. 24, 2011.

Tata is on trial charged with felony murder after prosecutors said she left seven toddlers alone in the home to go shopping, while leaving a pot of oil on a hot burner.

Surprised prosecutor

The alternative theory about the cause of the fire floored Assistant District Attorney Steve Baldassano, who pressed Bonyata before finally asking whether leaving seven toddlers at home with a stove turned on was "an act clearly dangerous to human life?"

"I wouldn't do it," the engineer said.

When neighbors saw Tata return, the inside of the west Houston day care was in flames and black smoke kept rescuers out until firefighters arrived. Three children survived.

Bonyata, who was called by lawyers for Tata, testified that his investigation showed electrical arcs from the refrigerators could have caused the fire.

When electricity jumps from a live wire to something else, the arc can leave small burns and other clues about the path of electricity during a malfunction.

Experts called by prosecutors last week testified that arcs are common during fires because insulation burns off of live wires in walls and in appliances.

Bonyata also testified that he believes the switch in the stove may have been turned off during the fire.

The assertion dovetails with another defense theory that the stove could have malfunctioned by turning on by itself or switching to high heat when it was left on low heat.

Pan of oil on stove

Prosecutors are expected to argue that a pan with oil in it - which investigators found on the damaged stove, was left on high heat by Tata - who went shopping alone as the children slept.

Baldassano noted in his questions that Tata told a store supervisor at Target that she had to get home because she left oil in a pan on a hot burner.

She also told first responders that she left food on the stove and was in the bathroom when the fire broke out.